Minority shareholders in some private hospitals are threatening to block the new abortion laws in the courts.

They have outlined their demands in a letter to the Oireachtas Health Committee.

According to the Sunday Business Post, they are demanding a legal provision in the new law that allows them to be bought out at market value if their hospital begins carrying out abortions under the Regulation of the Termination of Pregnancy Bill.

They are threatening to block the Bill unless their "religious beliefs are protected without being financially disadvantaged".

They want to be bought out at market value if their hospital begins carrying out abortions.

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Louise O'Reilly, says she was not expecting the backlash.

"I found it quite shocking actually, given the depth of feeling that was so obviously expressed at the referendum, that somebody would seek to interfere in that way on behalf of - they describe themselves as minority shareholders.

"I was quite shocked actually that they would seek to do that."

But she does not believe their plans will delay the legislation.

"I don't believe that they have the basis to challenge it, to be honest, and I don't see any reason why it should delay the passage of the legislation.

"I think off the parties in the Dáil have indicated a willingness to facilitate the legislation getting through as quickly as possible".